Track Walk 11th May

Today saw the track walk of the new chord generously facilitated by Network Rail to raise money for local charities and also to showcase the nearly completed work.  It was very good of them to give up their time to escort the various groups round.  I was working until 3pm so was unable to join one of the walks but I did manage to take some pictures of the last groups.  From what I could see, the guides were stopping frequently and explaining the various aspects of the work.  The weather was not that great and at one stage there was torrential rain and thunder.

 First group stops and looks over towards the quarry.

 While the next group stops to admire the accommodation bridge

 You can just make out an earlier group returning via the Icknield way in the background to the right of the gantry.

 The second group moves on while a third group stops at the bridge.

The first group reaches the east end of the viaduct. 

 After a short talk, they move on the viaduct.

 Meanwhile round at the end two Network Rail employees wait by Hitchin North junction.  The reason for this will be apparent in the next pictures.  The fencing at the bottom marks the River Hiz underbridge.

 An earlier group arrives on the link from the viaduct.

 Just as they arrive, an East Coast express approaches heading north.  No room for error here hence the people stationed here for the duration of the walk.

 Passing the group now. 

 The group then move on to the access walkway and down to the entrance of the scrapyard.